University and schools close following student unrest

Gabon’s Omar Bongo University as well as primary and secondary schools in Libreville were closed on Friday following clashes between students and security forces, news agencies reported. The clashes were the result of two months of “intermittent” demonstrations, AP reported. Police used teargas against the students, Reuters said, quoting witnesses. The students’ grievances include demands for more teachers, school buses and support for more pay for teachers. The protests follow opposition rejection of President Omar Bongo’s re-election in December, which they describe as “rigged”, Reuters said. New Gabonese prime minister named Meanwhile, the president on Saturday nominated Jean-Francois Ntoutoume-Emane as the country’s new prime minister, AFP said.